Bryant, James ad references guns

An advertisement featuring the NBA's two biggest superstars includes a gun reference, the same week two players were suspended for carrying firearms to the locker room.

An advertisement featuring the NBA's two biggest superstars includes a gun reference, the same week two players were suspended for carrying firearms to the locker room.

The Nike ad, which appears in several publications including Sports Illustrated and ESPN The Magazine, has LeBron James on one page and Kobe Bryant on the other. Along with the slogan, "Prepare For Combat," is a quote from each player showing how tough he is.

Bryant's blurb says: "I'll do whatever it takes to win games. I don't leave anything in the chamber."

"The Nike print ad featuring Kobe Bryant was intended to illustrate his all-out play and commitment on the basketball court," Nike said in a statement. "It is a commonly used reference for shooting the basketball and no offense was intended."

NBA commissioner David Stern is sensitive to the issue of gun violence, and the NBA criticized the ad.

"We had no prior notice of this ad," spokesman Tim Frank said. "We think it is inappropriate."

The wording under the photo of a shirtless James reads: "Opposing teams don't realize I was a football player first. I can take those hits and give a few back too."

The Nuggets played without NBA scoring leader Carmelo Anthony for the third straight game because of a sprained left ankle.

Lakers 99, 76ers 91 -- Bryant roused the 20,000 fans who came to jeer him in his hometown, scoring 24 points to lead Los Angeles.

Wizards 81, Nets 79 -- Earl Boykins hit a jumper with 0.4 of a second to play to lift Washington. The loss prevented the New Jersey (4-41) from posting consecutive victories for the first time this season.

Bulls 108, Hornets 106, OT -- Chicago's Luol Deng scored 26 points, including a putback with 0.2 of a second left in regulation to force overtime.